Virginia Dewitt Zemp

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Proverbs 31:25

Virginia “Ginny” DeWitt Zemp entered peacefully into eternal rest on February 7, 2022 with family by her bedside. She is leaving behind a loving daughter, two grandchildren whom she absolutely adored, her family and many good friends, all of whom she positively impacted throughout her life and were all made better by knowing her.

Ginny was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 27, 1961, the daughter of the late Dr. John Workman Zemp and Lois DeWitt Zemp of Charleston, South Carolina. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Brisbane Howell, her grandchildren, Virginia Claire Gora, 10, and Skylar Lynn Gora, 8, her brothers John Workman Zemp Jr. (Pam) of Columbia, James Blakeney “Blake” Zemp (Sarah) of Spartanburg and Louis DeWitt Zemp (Trista) of Charleston. Ginny also is survived by her many adoring nieces and nephews, John Workman Zemp III, Joseph Levon Zemp, William Tanner Zemp, Travis Mark Free, Jeremy Adam Free, James “Jack” Blakeney Zemp Jr., Elizabeth Ann “Annie” Zemp, Mathew Harper Zemp, Saluda Dunbar Zemp, Gracen Isabella Thompson, Claire McKenna Zemp and Emma Blakeney Zemp.

She grew up with scores of wonderful friends from Mt. Pleasant, Charleston and Camden while attending Ashley Hall School. Ginny held dear many of her friends from childhood and her teenage years and was so very happy to spend time with them throughout her life. Sometimes, in the gentle breeze of a moonlit night on the back creeks of the lowcountry during a family “sun downer”(aka Happy Hour) she would reminisce about the fun filled adventures of her past.

After completing four years at the College of Charleston and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Ginny continued her professional education attending the National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta, GA, where she earned a Paralegal Certificate. She then pursued a career in the legal field with several prominent South Carolina law firms in Charleston. In 1996, Ginny obtained her SC Real Estate License and worked with her friends and family at Joseph P. Riley Realty, while raising her beautiful daughter, Elizabeth.

After many years in the professional legal field, Ginny turned her considerable talents and natural energy to pro bono service while also holding executive management positions in the not-for-profit world. She was very proud of her work and the successes of the many organizations she assisted, especially the Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services, the Guardian Ad Litem program in Charleston, and the South Carolina Historical Society in Charleston. Her devotion, kind spirit and compassionate heart reflected her true character in everyone and everything she touched.

Ginny generously volunteered her giving spirit and obvious leadership skills to benefit numerous other organizations state-wide. Those included the Garden Club of Beaufort (founding president); the Junior Leagues of Spartanburg and Charleston; Ashley Hall Alumnae Board; and Grace Church Cathedral, where she served on the Altar Guild and Choir Committee. She was a member of the 350th Committee for the City of Charleston in 2018 and 2019 and the Executive Committee of Confederation of South Carolina Historical Societies (2015-2020). In addition, she was a member of the Society of Colonial Dames in the State of South Carolina, and the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, as well as the Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

In most recent years, Ginny accepted a call in 2019 to work in Camden, an 18th-century town founded by her ancestor, Col. Joseph B. Kershaw, and a place where she spent many summers vacationing early in life. She grew closer to family – “the cousins” – and many friends while serving the community as the Executive Director of the Historic Camden Foundation. She was blessed to work with many wonderful professionals, volunteers, and donors in an effort to preserve and advance the long and prestigious history around one of South Carolina most precious landmark cities. She often spoke of her dynamic and challenging experiences along side many state and local leaders all working for the same goals. Her tenacious spirit led her to achieve her goals in every situation.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31

Ginny’s spirit and her smile left an indelible mark on those she encountered and the twinkle in her eye will light up the darkness for eternity. Her last years were filled with joy and laughter while traveling with her boyfriend and confidant, Andy Morse. She visited many memorable destinations including her favorite, Pawley’s Island, where she visited every summer as a child growing up and throughout her adult life. The world has lost a beautiful daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and friend. However, our lord and savior in heaven received a perfect angel.

“ I will give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you.” Phillipians 1:3
“God is within her, she will not fall.” Psalm 46:5

Ginny’s relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service 2:00 PM Monday, February 21, 2022 at Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston.

Her family and friends are invited to join her daughter, Elizabeth Howell, Andy Morse and the Zemp family to celebrate her life at a Visitation to be held between 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM Saturday, February 19, 2022 at James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

A Memorial Service in Camden will be held next month at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Grace Episcopal Church, 1315 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.